Villanova Head Basketball Coach Jay Wright Announces Retirement

Jay Wright has led the Villanova Wildcats men’s basketball team to dizzying heights. Wright took over the program in 2001. Four final fours and two NCAA Tournament Championships later, Wright is calling it a career. The surprising announcement came last evening and was a surprise to many Villanova fans.

Wright will be replaced by Fordham’s Kyle Neptune. Neptune spent ten years as a video coordinator and assistant coach under Jay Wright. A news conference is set for Friday morning, according to ESPN.

Jay Wright released a statement about his time at Villanova. The coach said he was blessed to have had a 35-year career in coaching. Now, it is time to pass the program along to the next person.

“Over the past 21 seasons, I have had the opportunity to live out a professional dream as the head coach at Villanova. Patty and I have been blessed to work with incredible, gifted young men who allowed us to coach them and brought us unmatched joy. We cannot overstate our gratitude to the players, coaches, and administrators who have been with us on this path. It has been an honor and a privilege to work at Villanova, especially under Father Peter and Mark Jackson.

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Now, though, it’s time for us to enter a new era of Villanova basketball. After 35 years in coaching, I am proud and excited to hand over the reins to Villanova’s next coach. I am excited to remain a part of Villanova and look forward to working with Father Peter, Mark and the rest of the leadership team. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.”

Jay Wright was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021. In addition to his championship accolades, he was named Naismith Coach of the Year in 2006 and 2016. Now, his legendary career is coming to an end. Everyone at Thirsty sends our congratulations to one of the greatest collegiate hoops coaches to ever do it.

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